Public Inquiry into Derwenthorpe

In September 2005, the Government Office for Yorkshire and The Humber decided that Derwenthorpe's planning position should be determined by a Public Inquiry. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation welcomed this opportunity for a full and fair hearing into this major development.

Details of the Public Inquiry

• This is part of the planning process.
• David Cullingford is the Planning Inspector for the Inquiry.
• Derwenthorpe is being considered by the Inquiry alongside Persimmon's proposed "Germany Beck" development.
• The Inquiry opened on 13th June 2006 at York's Guild Hall, and finished six weeks later.
• It could take between 3 to 6 months before the Inspector's decision is made.
• The Inspector's final report will be passed to the Department for Communities and Local Government for consideration.
• The final outcome is anticipated to be known by Winter 2006/2007.

The main issues are around:

• Local & National Planning issues;
• whether the site is within York's Green Belt;
• whether the current and predicted levels of housing need within the City mean the site should be developed over the next 5 to 7 years – rather than say from 2011 onwards.

The above points are relevant irrespective of the quality of our proposals for Derwenthorpe, which will focus specifically on:

• transportation solutions and alternatives
• the potential for the site to flood and cause Osbaldwick Beck to flood
• the current ecological credentials of the site compared to the finished development's contribution to ecology
• sustainability of the homes themselves – energy efficiency, waste reduction and pollution control
• the quality and proposals for affordable housing on the site.

Proofs of Evidence

• Counsel & List of Experts (PDF, 57KB)

* Not available online